Product Highlight: Evil Bone Water

Don’t let the eerie linguistics of the translation put you off: Evil Bone Water is a powerful, time-tested, topical analgesic, and we use it in treatments at The Origin Center almost every day.

Therapeutic Pain Relief

Traditional East Asian Medicine, including acupuncture and herbal therapy,  is highly effective when it comes to treating (and healing) acute injuries as well as chronic musculoskeletal pain. Zheng Gu Shui or, as it is known in our clinic, Evil Bone Water, is a classical topical analgesic that combines powerful herbs to heal bone and soft tissue injuries, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and alleviate pain. 

Ancient Roots, Modern Use

Rooted  in ancient martial arts traditions, Evil Bone Water was developed as a sports/orthopedic medicinal liniment to treat  injuries incurred while fighting or practicing. As Tom Bisio, world-renowned martial artist and licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine states, “In the West, we tend to think of liniments as temporary palliatives, but the liniments used in Chinese sports medicine are powerful tools that can speed healing and reduce possible complications.” Applying Evil Bone Water to a new or acute injury can therefore help reduce the likelihood of developing chronic issues later on, which is a great reason to add this remedy to your medicine cabinet.

Herbs and Actions

Some of the herbs working together in this formula  to achieve healing and pain relief  include:

  • Zhang Nao (Camphor) - Promotes local circulation

  • Bo He Nao (Menthol) - Reduces inflammation

  • San/Tian Qi (Notoginseng, Pseudoginseng) - Stops bleeding; reduces bruising & swelling, inflammation and pain

  • Ji Gu Xiang (Japanese Knot Weed) - Reduces inflammation

  • Gui Pi (Cinnamon Bark) - Reduces muscle tension, promotes circulation

  • E Zhu (Zedoary Rhizome, Rhizoma Curcumae) - Promotes circulation, resolves bruising. 

  • Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) - Anti-inflammatory; relieves pain; alleviates muscle spasms, and cramps

  • Hu Zhang (Knotweed Rhizome) - Promotes local circulation

  • Bai Niu Dan (Inula Cappa DC) - Reduces swelling

What Can Evil Bone Water Treat?

Evil Bone Water can be used to treat many different physical conditions at the skin, muscle and bone level. You might consider trying Evil Bone Water if you are experiencing: 

  • Incidental injuries, particularly sports injuries

  • Joint pain

  • Spinal pain

  • Muscle and ligament pain

  • Bruising

  • Sprains and strains

  • General pain

  • Cuts, burns, and insect bites

In other words, it’s a great medicine to have on hand, whether you’re at home or on-the-go.

How Do I Use it?

Option 1: Moisten a gauze pad, or a piece of flannel with Evil Bone Water. You’ll want it saturated, but not dripping. Apply to the affected area -- taping it in place, for example -- and allow it to absorb for 30-45 minutes.

Option 2: Apply 2-3 times a day to the affected area with a cotton ball or by applying several spray pumps. Gently massage, and allow it to dry. 

Either way you choose, enjoy quick relief.

What should I do next?

Speak to your acupuncturist today to see if Evil Bone Water is right for you! And if you’re suffering from any variety of chronic or acute pain, remember that we’re here for you!


Your initial consultation is always free — come meet us in person and learn more.

Meaghan Kelly Harmon, LAc, MAcOM